Machinery Journal

Sprayer Family Expands

AGCO introduces the RG700 RoGator self-propelled sprayer featuring a 700-gal. capacity and a Tier 4i-compliant engine with 165 hp. The fourth member of the RoGator line, it offers narrow and standard axle configurations, a six-post cab design, folded booms beneath sight lines and an ergonomic armrest and joystick. Technology includes controllers for sprayer and boom height, RoGator Management Center and AgCommand telemetry system. The AWD SmartDrive System, even weight distribution and Parallel C-channel flex frame enable consistent field speeds. An RG700 base configuration with standard features and current sales programs is about $160,000. For more, visit www.applylikeapro.com.

Seed Meter Makeover

The modified 5000 Series grain drills from Landoll feature an externally fluted seed meter and double the number of flutes on each metering wheel, compared to the previous series. The seed meter opening is also wider, which allows the operator to control population through the meter’s opening size and speed. A Loup Monitor featuring an acre counter comes standard for in-cab monitoring of seed population, seed sensors and hopper levels. The drills are available in models from 10' rigid through 40' folding. The models’ pneumatic down-pressure spring provides between 120 lb. and 400 lb. of down-pressure on the 15.8"-diameter opener blades. Seed boxes now offer a "V" bottom. Suggested retail pricing ranges from $24,530 to $141,785. For more, visit www.landoll.com.

Hesston Milestone

In May, the 25,000th large square baler made by AGCO, a Hesston 2170XD 4'x3' baler, rolled off the line at its manufacturing facility in Hesston, Kan.

"Some of the same things that drove the design and engineering efforts in making that first large square baler are the same things that are driving our industry today," says Steve Koep, vice president of sales for AGCO North America.

In 1978, the large square baler became the efficiency solution to challenges of higher input costs, need for more forage production and the economy of moving feed products, he says. Those same factors now drive other uses for the baler—to capture biomass for energy production by baling wheat straw, cornstalks and emerging biomass crops—and to efficiently remove residue from fields.

"This baler is the flagship for this company," Koep says. "Hesston Manufacturing didn’t really start as a hay company—it was an attachment company. We knew we had something when all of the feeders came to farm shows to examine the 4'x4' bale. The big baler changed hay production."

The purchaser of the anniversary machine, Bill Levy, owner and CEO of Pacific Ag Solutions based in Hermiston, Ore., says his operation chooses to run Hesston balers because "we can’t afford downtime."

Pacific Ag operates the largest agricultural residue and hay harvesting business in the U.S. Started in 1998, and due largely to the growth of biomass energy production and livestock feed demand globally, Pacific Ag has experienced more than 250% growth in the past three years.

Tracking Ahead

Each tractor in Versatile's DeltaTrack lineup—available in 450 hp, 500 hp or 550 hp—boasts four tracks. Features include 30" or 36" width options, an integrated track undercarriage mounting system with reinforced connection to the track frame, a one-piece cast drive sprocket with drive bar engagement and 8.5" drive lugs to eliminate track slippage. A Cummins QSX 15-liter engine meets Tier 4 Interim emissions standards and runs without urea, while a CAT TA-22 16-speed powershift transmission allows for both smooth shifting and durability. The Versatile DeltaTrack 450DT with 30" tracks retails for $404,910. For more, visit www.versatile-ag.ca.

Riders in the Front Seat

The 2014 Viking side-by-side from Yamaha features full seating for three. Powered by a 686-cc, liquid-cooled, fuel-injected SOHC engine, the side-by-side is rated for a top speed of 50 mph. The machine’s three-position On-Command four-wheel-drive system lets riders dial between two-wheel drive, limited-slip four-wheel drive and fully locked differential four-wheel drive. An automatic centrifugal clutch maintains constant belt tension for reduced belt wear and uses a sprag clutch for all-wheel downhill engine braking in four-wheel-drive mode and reverse. A large-capacity air-intake system helps prevent overheating. The air-intake filter is located under the middle third seat. Electric power steering is operated by a separate motor and dampens steering feedback when riders encounter terrain obstacles. Exclusive to the Viking are Maxxis Big Horn 2.0 tires. Other features include 11.8" ground clearance, a steel dump cargo bed that holds a seed pallet and a 1,500-lb. tow capacity. Available accessories include a bed rail system. For more, visit www.yamaha-motor.com.

Spruced-Up Sprayer Cab

At the core of the 2014 Apache sprayers lineup is a redesigned cab with ET Pilot System and controls that resemble those found in standard trucks. The system offers a 7" color touchscreen with preinstalled apps that provide readouts on engine diagnostics, transmission and more. The armrest fits operators’ arms like a glove. Options include a heated leather seat and power mirrors on the side of the machine. The upgraded cab is ISOBUS-ready for all compatible field computers. Standard features new to the 2014 Apache sprayer cab include an operator foot throttle for hills, general maneuvering or while in reverse. In the cab, an audio-infotainment system features Polk audio FM/AM/WB/AUX, four Jensen HP speakers and a USB jack. The cab is SiriusXM- and Bluetooth-ready. An upgraded HVAC system includes automatic climate control. Hypro Express End Caps for nozzle bodies allow air trapped in the boom to escape. A beacon light on the cab roof increases operator safety, and Michelin agriculture tires come standard. Optional upgrades include Raven’s Flow Max fill station flow meter. For more, visit www.etsprayers.com.